[valley_girl1919]

I started working as a system administrator about 9 months ago. I was already working for this company in another department, when the IT manager heard that I was just starting to take IT classes. I was nervous about taking the position because I had just started my classes and had no experience whatsoever, which the IT manager knew about this. I was extremely overwhelmed at first but I stuck with it and kept learning everything I could. I have made a couple mistakes nothing major, but almost everyday is extremely stressful. trying to keep up and the constant change and learning something new. the crazy thing is that I like the job in alot of ways, i like learning about new software and installing software. I like learning about the network and setting up pc's, the thing that i hate is ofcourse dealing with the people, especially those that are jerks. I really hate dealing with copiers/printers they are a pain. Because i had no experience i have to ask my boss alot of questions and he has to show me alot. This is good for me to start out in, but what do people nomally do after working as a system admin.

[Squashman]

Are you looking to change professions? Is that what your question is directed at?

[valley_girl1919]

Im not looking to change professions really, I want to work with computers, but i just dont want to be a system admin forever. Some people have told me that system admin is just what you start out in. I guess Im just wondering if anyone else is a system admin or was one and is doing something different in IT now? Sorry to sound confusing.

[Squashman]

System Admin is certainly not what you start out as. You basically start out as a Low Level Help Desk phone answerer! And depending on the company they may have levels of help desk support. From there maybe you will move to become a system admin and then maybe the manager of the department.

Now you could specialize in a particular field and get your certifications. Some larger companies like the one I work for have people that do nothing but handle the Network hardware. These guys are all Cisco Certified Network Professionals.

[ozziebeanie]

You are extremely lucky to be considered for a job like that, without qualifications and lucky to get a boss that does not mind training you, it's so hard to get that now days when you want to learn new things.

I hope you keep challenged, and keep asking questions, the only dumb question is the one not asked.

It's also good to have someone to bounce ideas off when you come across something that is not only new to you but to your boss also.

I have learnt from experience that you never stop learning, sure you might come across things that you come across often, but something always comes up that makes you go - ah? say again

All the best to you, I would learn all you can and get experience under your belt so to speak and work out what areas you might like to get into while doing that.

[valley_girl1919]

Thanks for the comment! I'll take your advice!

[ecozart]

Good luck with whatever you do. I am in the middle of my CCNA classes currently. I got a part time job with a company that does online backup software. Helping with hardware, software, etc. Its only 10 hours a week, but its constantly on the net, comp, whatever i can do. They have a ton of experiance form network consulting, installation, software development etc. So its a great starting point for myself.

[DoubleHelix]

What, exactly, are your current duties? System administrators manage network equipment, servers, security, etc. Some companies call their resident techie a "system administrator", but the title doesn't necessarily apply.

As for your career, you have to be a bit more specific than "working with computers". There are thousands of jobs that involve computers and technology and thousands more in IT that actually don't involve working with computers. IT analysts specialize in an area of technology such as HRIS or manufacturing technology and learn the programs and systems that meet those business needs.